Street Smart
Fresh source of inspiration
By Mandy Navasero
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 20:56:00 09/18/2009
Filed Under: Eleksyon 2010, Politics, Elections
“IF I were to be interviewed about Noynoy Aquino, this would be my story,” Hernani Geronimo said about the piece below when I photographed him. Nanie, a journalism graduate, is one of the 10 winners in the Gig Writing Contest on seafarers’ lives. Excerpts from his piece, “The Best Brand Today”:
“It is incredible that the best political brand now is again an Aquino. But, until last Wednesday, September 9, he was a reluctant candidate. Now, Ninoy and Cory’s only son is thrust into an unraveling political drama, in which people are hungry for a fresh source of inspiration and hope. Finally, he has announced his readiness to lead us to liberation.
“What does this mean to us? It means that we can trust a leader again. We can be sure he will not steal and taint the memory of his parents. We see sincerity and simplicity in vogue again. And, once again, we can hope.
Reasons
“These may be simple reasons, and certainly, they’re not solutions to our nation’s pressing problems. After all, Noy is no Superman. But, his decision to seek the presidency is enough reason to inspire us to once again give our best, do what’s right and decent, and be genuinely engaged in helping rebuild the country.
“Noynoy’s administration will no doubt restore our faith in the democratic institutions ruined by blind ambition, lust for power and ostentatious living. He will rule sincerely and love his constituents unconditionally.”
21 September, 2009
18 September, 2009
15 September, 2009
RISING SUN LANGUAGE TRAINING CENTER PROFILE
About Us
Rising Sun Language Center is an incorporation of talents and management expertise driven by a common passion for excellence, integrity, rediscovering the customer, teamwork and innovation.
Our mission is to help companies create the best value-driven workforce to be globally competitive revenue earner.
To fulfill this mission, we have experts in Communication, Legal & Labor Relations Training, Marketing, Medical Services and Information Technology.
Our Training Partners:
Oceanlink Institute – A subsidiary of Negros Navigation Holdings and Management Corporation. and
Winfield ESL Training Center
We also conduct regular ESL classes and accept individual or group enrollees.
Our methodology involves linking training with business objectives, assessing the needs of our clients, customizing our programs to accommodate specific needs, evaluating training outcomes and working closely with them with after-training concerns for and effective follow through.
Our Programs:
Modules arrayed below can be packaged or individually delivered, depending on customer’s requirements.
• Image Enhancement Program
• Personal Effectiveness Program
• Training the Trainers Program
• English Proficiency Program
• Oral Communication Skills
• Effective Presentation Skills
• Effective Business Writing Program
• Communication Assertiveness Series
• Corporate English Training
• Work Attitude and Values Enhancement Program
• Sales and Customer Service Program
• Management and Supervisory Training
• Rekindling the Team Spirit Training
• Problem Solving and Decision Making Skills Training
• Sales Training (Basic and Advanced)
• Teambuilding
• Strategic Planning
• Leadership Training
• Interpersonal Management (E.Q)
• Competency Modeling
• Filipino as Foreign Language Program
• Nihonggo (Japanese Language Program)
Workshops are highly interactive and challenging. Methodology is experiential (learning by doing). Each module is carefully designed to integrate participants’ learning need/s. All participants get an opportunity to practice the new learning while at the workshop.
To keep our customers, it is essential we cope with their fast-changing and growing needs. To do that, first we need to look at the way we work and identify areas we can improve and/or change in order to meet their requirements with utmost satisfaction.
If we do not take care of our customers, somebody else will.
Our Clients:
ALLIED TELESYN- Intensive English Program
BELLVUE HOTEL- Handling Employees Welfare
e-PLDT- Handling Employees Welfare
PARLANCE- Handling Employees Welfare
VOCATIV- Handling Employees Welfare
DIAMOND HOTEL- Re-Kindling Team Spirit
MUNICIPALITY OF CARMONA CAVITE
Building Effective Teams That Makes a Difference
YANSON GROUP OF COMPANIES
Work Attitude and Values Enhancement
And Teambuilding for:
Ceres Liner, Bachelor Express and Rural Transit
President and CEO Mr. Ricardo Yanson
YANSON GROUP OF COMPANIES
PAMANTASAN NG LUNGSOD NG MAYNILA
Image Enhancement Program
Jobseekers Program
Intensive ESL (English as a Second Language) Program
TEH HSIN ENTERPRISE PHILIPPINES, INC.
Effective Communication Skills Training
Problem Solving and Decision Making Skills Training
San Miguel Elem. School- Intensive ESL Program
AMG Skilled Hands Technological College
English Proficiency Program- Training the Trainers
YOU MAY ALSO CALL:
(044) 815.0975
SMS: 0920.896.8716
e-mail us @ risingsun_languagecenter@yahoo.com
Rising Sun Language Center is an incorporation of talents and management expertise driven by a common passion for excellence, integrity, rediscovering the customer, teamwork and innovation.
Our mission is to help companies create the best value-driven workforce to be globally competitive revenue earner.
To fulfill this mission, we have experts in Communication, Legal & Labor Relations Training, Marketing, Medical Services and Information Technology.
Our Training Partners:
Oceanlink Institute – A subsidiary of Negros Navigation Holdings and Management Corporation. and
Winfield ESL Training Center
We also conduct regular ESL classes and accept individual or group enrollees.
Our methodology involves linking training with business objectives, assessing the needs of our clients, customizing our programs to accommodate specific needs, evaluating training outcomes and working closely with them with after-training concerns for and effective follow through.
Our Programs:
Modules arrayed below can be packaged or individually delivered, depending on customer’s requirements.
• Image Enhancement Program
• Personal Effectiveness Program
• Training the Trainers Program
• English Proficiency Program
• Oral Communication Skills
• Effective Presentation Skills
• Effective Business Writing Program
• Communication Assertiveness Series
• Corporate English Training
• Work Attitude and Values Enhancement Program
• Sales and Customer Service Program
• Management and Supervisory Training
• Rekindling the Team Spirit Training
• Problem Solving and Decision Making Skills Training
• Sales Training (Basic and Advanced)
• Teambuilding
• Strategic Planning
• Leadership Training
• Interpersonal Management (E.Q)
• Competency Modeling
• Filipino as Foreign Language Program
• Nihonggo (Japanese Language Program)
Workshops are highly interactive and challenging. Methodology is experiential (learning by doing). Each module is carefully designed to integrate participants’ learning need/s. All participants get an opportunity to practice the new learning while at the workshop.
To keep our customers, it is essential we cope with their fast-changing and growing needs. To do that, first we need to look at the way we work and identify areas we can improve and/or change in order to meet their requirements with utmost satisfaction.
If we do not take care of our customers, somebody else will.
Our Clients:
ALLIED TELESYN- Intensive English Program
BELLVUE HOTEL- Handling Employees Welfare
e-PLDT- Handling Employees Welfare
PARLANCE- Handling Employees Welfare
VOCATIV- Handling Employees Welfare
DIAMOND HOTEL- Re-Kindling Team Spirit
MUNICIPALITY OF CARMONA CAVITE
Building Effective Teams That Makes a Difference
YANSON GROUP OF COMPANIES
Work Attitude and Values Enhancement
And Teambuilding for:
Ceres Liner, Bachelor Express and Rural Transit
President and CEO Mr. Ricardo Yanson
YANSON GROUP OF COMPANIES
PAMANTASAN NG LUNGSOD NG MAYNILA
Image Enhancement Program
Jobseekers Program
Intensive ESL (English as a Second Language) Program
TEH HSIN ENTERPRISE PHILIPPINES, INC.
Effective Communication Skills Training
Problem Solving and Decision Making Skills Training
San Miguel Elem. School- Intensive ESL Program
AMG Skilled Hands Technological College
English Proficiency Program- Training the Trainers
YOU MAY ALSO CALL:
(044) 815.0975
SMS: 0920.896.8716
e-mail us @ risingsun_languagecenter@yahoo.com
14 September, 2009
11 September, 2009
Please Less of Kris Aquino.
Sure, I will vote for Noynoy Aquino for his values and simplicity that isn’t wont be corrupted. I had this sudden change of heart when I read about Noynoy's sincerity and simplicity as a person. He has substance and dignity. Sya lang naman ang Presidentiables na reluctant to run for Public Office. And I know that he wouldn’t even try to ruin the image of his parents. I think he'll be a good and honest President. But please less of Kris Aquino’s yaketty-yak-yak about NoyNoy because she might ruin the endearment of Filipino people to her Kuya. The whole nation naman know how maarte and pakialamera itong kapatid nya. Lagi yatang gusto ng attention. That even the lovelife of her Kuya pinakikialam nya, she insisted that Noy stay single which I am prompting to ask: di kaya na offend dun sa sinabi nya yung future sister-in-law nya? She should stop talking about Noy’ personal life or how she would want to help her brother that she is willing to sell her house to make funds for Noy's campaign, it’s given, they really need to raise funds for the campaign period. That even the need to talk about Noynoy's make over from clothes to shoes to haircut and everything else kahit di naman pang showbiz ang kapatid nya, but she needs to talk about this on National Television. She can do all the help in whatever way possible for Noynoy’s campaign but please do it QUIETLY na lang. I am really hats off to actors like the MEGASTAR and the STAR FOR ALL SEASONS because they don’t make their household a big issue as if it is a gossip. I have such respect for people like them. They don’t need controversies to stay on top. Sometimes I would like to think na natatakot yung ibang tao (yung ibang Game KNB contestants dati) to sit with her for an interview because she noticed everything, where did you buy your clothes? What about your shoes? Doesn’t she know that she has her own lifestyle that other people cannot afford? We don't need to know that she wear high end designer clothes, how expensive her shoes, what she’s eating , what’s going on with their household etc., of course she can afford everything she wants because she is the "queen of all media".( I just don’t know where the title came from, because I don’t believe she is) Siempre isa yan sa highest paid celebrities sa kanilang istasyon.(Di ba sya naman ang laging bida at ang kanyang likuran sa mga TV shows nya everything about her is a BIG catch for the show, na ewan ko bakit ba naman ganun kababaw na they need to talk it over and over, madaming artista naman na pede pang pag usapan bukod sa kanya) But not to people who are intelligent enough kung ano ang kababawan lang at kung ano ang may sense at class. I would like to think that she is the exact opposite of her sisters, theirs is quiet and serene(and very seldom to see in public, Si Pinky nito ko nga lang nakita, the passing of her beloved mom). Wasn't it easy for her to shut up and be quiet about all these stuff? Napakayaman nya para mawalan ng class. Stop talking about family issues in public, make it private. It doesn't mean that if you're a public figure you owe it to the public to bare it all. There are limitations. Yes she has a lot of fans that might bring votes to Noynoy. But there are also a lot of people who don't like Kris' nauseatingly kaartehan and her values. I think mas madaming boboto kay Noynoy if less of Kris. Si Noynoy na lang and her other sisters ang magsalita.Let Noynoy speak for himself, let them talk kasi they're more credible(and also Rapa Lopa, Tita Cory’s nephew) kasi nde sila mahilig pangunahan ang kapatid nilang si Noynoy. May intelligence na may class pa. Mas quiet si Kris mas win-able si Noynoy.
09 September, 2009
07 September, 2009
04 September, 2009
03 September, 2009
A Very Special Blog for my Son...
When I first became a father 11 years ago, the reality of it didn’t hit me until several days after the birth. Like most fathers, for me, the run-up and aftermath of my little Ian’s being born was so fraught with the usual tensions and a million operational details that I didn’t really have time to take it all in. It was only when we’d come home that I realized how much had changed.
Like all new parents, suddenly even our sleep was not our own; for six or seven weeks, I was going through the working day looking punch-drunk- until at last my son’s sleep cycle settled down. But more than that, I was unprepared to be absolutely responsible for someone so vulnerable. It was a daunting prospect.
My transition to fatherhood was nothing like my transition from being single to being unmarried- which has been traumatic for my mom- but for me, it was simple. My girlfriend and I had been together for five years and life with her is something I want to forget all my life. I felt betrayed, scorned at the same time. I knew she has her own plans.
But becoming a father is something I never counted on, nor ever dreamt about. I had female friends who had the names of their entire kids ready a decade before they got married. Not me. I thought about fatherhood the way that adolescents think about death-in other words, they’d rather not, and if they do, it’s always in terms of something that was going to happen to somebody else.
And then all of a sudden there he was- Adrian Santino de Dios, a bawling infant who sometimes took an hour or two crying before going to sleep at night. After a year of living in an apartment with just the two of us and a nanny, my life were not my own. That took a little adjusting too.
But little by little, the worries eased. I’ve got better and better at taking care of the little tyke, and I took a bit of pride that I could put my son to sleep better than his nanny (those were the days where I can afford to have a nanny, he he he). But more than that, somehow a switch went on in my head, and what had been a responsibility became a joy. What I realized was this: you don’t love your children; you fall in love with them. That was exactly what happened to me.
Adrian changed my entire life. Not only did I become a good dad. I became a good son to my own mom. Before I had him, I was self centered, I left home, stayed in an apartment, and only worried about me. My dad was long gone then. I saw my mom on a few weekends, and those were few and far between.
I was out of work when I had Adrian, but I wasn’t worried. As soon as I got back on my feet, I begin to land my own business, it’s not my usual cup of tea, though, as I used to work as an event organizer where I was almost always up for more than 20 hours a day. Still, I was able to provide Adrian with the things he needed as he grew up. We are happy.
I still remember, I cried softly when I had to confine him in the hospital because of Dengue. I saw the nurses put an I.V needle through his little arm. Whenever the doctors or nurses came into his hospital room, he would cry. He was afraid they would hurt him. To assure him, I whispered in his ear. “Daddy’s here, I won’t let them hurt you.” It was enough to make him stop crying and sleep peacefully in my arms.
I prayed to God to make Adrian well and to give me more strength and courage. Thankfully, Adrian was declared out of danger. I vowed to do everything to make him healthy.
It was difficult for me when he started to ask about his mother. He was just four years old and in nursery school. “Dad, why is that my schoolmates have moms and I don’t? he asked when I came home from work one night. I wasn’t prepared. I didn’t think the question would come this early.
With careful consideration of his tender age, I explained that his mom could not be with us because she has her own plans maybe to find a work and start a new life where she is right now. Maybe one day soon, I told Adrian, he would meet his mother. I was surprised by his mature analysis of the situation. “No, Dad,” he said, “I think things are the way they are because that is how God wants it to be. All I know is that you love me and I love you!” I cried and hugged him. I told him I loved him so much that whatever happens, I will always be there for him.
A proud father, I would note how my son would make funny remarks at the age of two or grasps difficult concepts at the age of four. And more and more I saw him as a gift of GOD gave to me. I could feel the joy of responsibility for the first time in my life.
I read from a novel and I do believe that “A child is a guest in the house, to be loved and respected-never possessed, because he belongs to GOD. How wonderful, sane, and therefore true.
“Strangely difficult” is exactly how I feel about fatherhood, because it will never be easy.
I believe that if a child is nurtured well he or she will grow up to become a responsible citizen.
But even during moments like that, I would not give up a moment of fatherhood. As I wrote to an old friend a few weeks ago: “Even on my worst day, my son Adrian Santino are to me miracle and grace.” I love You, My One and Only Ian.
Like all new parents, suddenly even our sleep was not our own; for six or seven weeks, I was going through the working day looking punch-drunk- until at last my son’s sleep cycle settled down. But more than that, I was unprepared to be absolutely responsible for someone so vulnerable. It was a daunting prospect.
My transition to fatherhood was nothing like my transition from being single to being unmarried- which has been traumatic for my mom- but for me, it was simple. My girlfriend and I had been together for five years and life with her is something I want to forget all my life. I felt betrayed, scorned at the same time. I knew she has her own plans.
But becoming a father is something I never counted on, nor ever dreamt about. I had female friends who had the names of their entire kids ready a decade before they got married. Not me. I thought about fatherhood the way that adolescents think about death-in other words, they’d rather not, and if they do, it’s always in terms of something that was going to happen to somebody else.
And then all of a sudden there he was- Adrian Santino de Dios, a bawling infant who sometimes took an hour or two crying before going to sleep at night. After a year of living in an apartment with just the two of us and a nanny, my life were not my own. That took a little adjusting too.
But little by little, the worries eased. I’ve got better and better at taking care of the little tyke, and I took a bit of pride that I could put my son to sleep better than his nanny (those were the days where I can afford to have a nanny, he he he). But more than that, somehow a switch went on in my head, and what had been a responsibility became a joy. What I realized was this: you don’t love your children; you fall in love with them. That was exactly what happened to me.
Adrian changed my entire life. Not only did I become a good dad. I became a good son to my own mom. Before I had him, I was self centered, I left home, stayed in an apartment, and only worried about me. My dad was long gone then. I saw my mom on a few weekends, and those were few and far between.
I was out of work when I had Adrian, but I wasn’t worried. As soon as I got back on my feet, I begin to land my own business, it’s not my usual cup of tea, though, as I used to work as an event organizer where I was almost always up for more than 20 hours a day. Still, I was able to provide Adrian with the things he needed as he grew up. We are happy.
I still remember, I cried softly when I had to confine him in the hospital because of Dengue. I saw the nurses put an I.V needle through his little arm. Whenever the doctors or nurses came into his hospital room, he would cry. He was afraid they would hurt him. To assure him, I whispered in his ear. “Daddy’s here, I won’t let them hurt you.” It was enough to make him stop crying and sleep peacefully in my arms.
I prayed to God to make Adrian well and to give me more strength and courage. Thankfully, Adrian was declared out of danger. I vowed to do everything to make him healthy.
It was difficult for me when he started to ask about his mother. He was just four years old and in nursery school. “Dad, why is that my schoolmates have moms and I don’t? he asked when I came home from work one night. I wasn’t prepared. I didn’t think the question would come this early.
With careful consideration of his tender age, I explained that his mom could not be with us because she has her own plans maybe to find a work and start a new life where she is right now. Maybe one day soon, I told Adrian, he would meet his mother. I was surprised by his mature analysis of the situation. “No, Dad,” he said, “I think things are the way they are because that is how God wants it to be. All I know is that you love me and I love you!” I cried and hugged him. I told him I loved him so much that whatever happens, I will always be there for him.
A proud father, I would note how my son would make funny remarks at the age of two or grasps difficult concepts at the age of four. And more and more I saw him as a gift of GOD gave to me. I could feel the joy of responsibility for the first time in my life.
I read from a novel and I do believe that “A child is a guest in the house, to be loved and respected-never possessed, because he belongs to GOD. How wonderful, sane, and therefore true.
“Strangely difficult” is exactly how I feel about fatherhood, because it will never be easy.
I believe that if a child is nurtured well he or she will grow up to become a responsible citizen.
But even during moments like that, I would not give up a moment of fatherhood. As I wrote to an old friend a few weeks ago: “Even on my worst day, my son Adrian Santino are to me miracle and grace.” I love You, My One and Only Ian.
01 September, 2009
You Can Change The World.
Folks, I want to ask you a question:
do you think everything in your life is perfect just as it is?
Or are there some changes you would make if you had the chance?
If the answer is “yes”…
then you have everything you need to be an activist
Let me explain.
A lot of people choose to sail steadily through life on an even keel.
But there are some people who are boat rockers.
They go through life making a fuss when the going gets tough.
Go against the flow.
do you think everything in your life is perfect just as it is?
Or are there some changes you would make if you had the chance?
If the answer is “yes”…
then you have everything you need to be an activist
Let me explain.
A lot of people choose to sail steadily through life on an even keel.
But there are some people who are boat rockers.
They go through life making a fuss when the going gets tough.
Go against the flow.
31 August, 2009
Who Am I You Ask? Let Me Introduce Myself.
Jit, (as they call me) thanks for tagging me. It took a while for me to get started coz I don't really know what to say. But hey, here it goes.
I am my own contradiction. I am one thing and another, all at the same time. Here's the best I came up with to tell the world who I am.
Passionate but Apathetic
Passionate. There are several things I am very passionate about: my mom, my son, my God. I love them with a purple passion and a cherry on top! I choose to devote myself to them. They make me incredibly happy. I make them happy (well, I'm not sure if God's happy with me, hehehe. Working on it, Lord!). If only weekends were longer and work hours shorter!
Apathetic. I'm passionate about important things, couldn't care less about other things. There are just some things that I wouldn't spend time on because I consider it a waste of my life and time. Some of which are opinions of insignificant people- oil price hike, rising cost of living, etc. Sure, I may whine and complain about them, but they don't really affect my overall happiness. I know when to categorize them as life-changing, and when to call them petty.
Loyal but Willing to Let Go
Loyal as a dog. I have a lot of acquaintances and I'm nice to everyone but I count only a handful as really close friends. I do not aim to be the most popular or to be the most liked, I always aim to just be myself when I'm with other people. When my acquaintances turn out to be diamonds in the rough, I give myself to the friendship to make it shine. And when I call you a friend, I am one for life. It doesn't matter if I don't see them often, if I don't communicate with them often, if I consider them my friends, I am there for them for whatever reason. WHATEVER reason. I am loyal in that way. I have CONVICTION!!!
Willing to let go. Although I value my friendships, I can also let go and turn away when needed. There was a time in my life when I turned away from a very close friend. I chose to shut her out of my life and call her a stranger. It was a painful day when I decided we will never be the kind of friends anymore but I was loyal as a friend to her and expected the same from her. She did not rise to the challenge. I give only the best of myself to my friends and demanding as it may sound, if they can't do the same, then I can let them go.
Mature but Childish
Mature. I project myself maturely. I don't sound young, I don't sound like a crazy teeny bopper (thank God!). I'm not so into cutesy-cutesy things. I don't really like blue. I'm more comfortable in blacks and earth colors. I look credible and believable when I speak. I'd like to think it's not only the outer me that shouts maturity. I'd also like to believe I am mature in thinking. Malawak ang pag-uunawa ko. I do not judge quickly. I am open-minded. I am forgiving of people's imperfections (including my own). I listen. I give solid gold advice (or so I was told).
Childish. Sometimes, I forget that I'm in my late 30’s. I can be childish. I whine and sulk when I don't get my way. I so understand kids when they throw tantrums - nakakarelate ako. Maybe that's why kids like me, they know I get them. Hehehe. I can be nauseatingly makulit. I can pester and annoy til I get what I want. At times, I don't realize I'm being irritating coz it's so second nature for me to be makulit. Diba, Enrico?!
Serious and Playful
Serious. I am serious with my life. I want to make it mean something. I do not have a specific goal I want to reach, because I believe that each day should have merit. I am serious about my work, I am out to prove my worth. I want to make sure whatever company I am with, they know that I am worth (or even worth more) the money they compensate me with. Excellence is my battle cry. I do not like being told I was good. I want to be told I was excellent. And so I work hard. Same is true with my family. I aim to be the best dad and son. I want my family to feel lucky that I am theirs. ;)
Playful. But sometimes, I don't take myself or my life too seriously. I know how to relax and enjoy. I know when to say, "it doesn't matter" and "so what?!" when things don't turn out the way I want them to. When I get stressed, I play. That's why I LOVE yahoo. I can surf for hours. Yahoo take me to another world (boring world according to Enrico and Khay :) I try not to stress myself out too much, lest I get hyperventilated (for those who don't know, I have hyperventilation -- medical condition when breath just falls off -- for me, when I'm stressed).
Random things about me:
1. I like cats and dogs. Some are cat-people, some are dog-people, I am both.
2. I have "shopping" moods. I can go for months without buying any new piece of clothing or pair of shoes, but when there are good finds, I BUY. :D
3. My favorite "sale" places are Girbaud, F & H, Bass and Lacoste. Coz when they go on sale, normally, what's left are MY sizes. And sale talaga, as in 40 - 70% off!
4. I am a Sonya's addict. Sometimes, I crave the food. I hate it that they're in Tagaytay and that we need to drive so far to enjoy the place and the salad (and the pasta and the breads and spreads, and Ian's favorite - candied kamote). Thanks to Enrico! For driving!!
5. I LOVE buffets! Any kind! Breakfast buffet, lunch buffet, merienda buffet!! I've tried a lot, cheap, expensive, mid-priced. My favorites are: Sonya's Garden in Tagaytay, Thai Kitchen in Galleria, Dad's in Megamall, Saisaki in Megamall, Josephine's in Tagaytay. Sa hotels, the best breakfast I've tried so far is Manila Peninsula followed by InterContinental Manila. Lunch naman 7 Corners (especially for dessert) in Crowne Plaza. Ay basta, ask me about buffet, I will answer with so much gusto! I just love it! Hehehe.
6. I am right-handed. Again, as I've mentioned before. Right-handed people are SUPPOSEDLY good painter. Not me. Hehehe.
7. I am shy. As in mahiyain. Yes, it's true. I don't really know how I’m into training. It puzzles me to this day. ;)
8. I am low-tech. Hahaha. Ask me about computers, I know nothing! Talk to me about techie stuff and I space out. I leave those things to the experts. I just know how to use the PC for the common stuff - Office, games, Multiply, friendster, other specifications :D
9. I don't like strawberries and ampalaya. I am not picky when it comes to food, I can eat anything EXCEPT those two. Anything strawberry DOES NOT appeal to me. I think it's because all the medicine I was made to take as a kid was strawberry flavored. Hehehe. Ampalaya naman coz it's bitter (obviously, kaya nga bitter gourd ang pangalan eh. hehehe). I like sweet and spicy stuff, not bitter.
Whew! That's a lot of stuff about me. Maybe more than what you'd like to know. Hehehe. Now that you know a bit more about me, I want to get to know you better too!
I am my own contradiction. I am one thing and another, all at the same time. Here's the best I came up with to tell the world who I am.
Passionate but Apathetic
Passionate. There are several things I am very passionate about: my mom, my son, my God. I love them with a purple passion and a cherry on top! I choose to devote myself to them. They make me incredibly happy. I make them happy (well, I'm not sure if God's happy with me, hehehe. Working on it, Lord!). If only weekends were longer and work hours shorter!
Apathetic. I'm passionate about important things, couldn't care less about other things. There are just some things that I wouldn't spend time on because I consider it a waste of my life and time. Some of which are opinions of insignificant people- oil price hike, rising cost of living, etc. Sure, I may whine and complain about them, but they don't really affect my overall happiness. I know when to categorize them as life-changing, and when to call them petty.
Loyal but Willing to Let Go
Loyal as a dog. I have a lot of acquaintances and I'm nice to everyone but I count only a handful as really close friends. I do not aim to be the most popular or to be the most liked, I always aim to just be myself when I'm with other people. When my acquaintances turn out to be diamonds in the rough, I give myself to the friendship to make it shine. And when I call you a friend, I am one for life. It doesn't matter if I don't see them often, if I don't communicate with them often, if I consider them my friends, I am there for them for whatever reason. WHATEVER reason. I am loyal in that way. I have CONVICTION!!!
Willing to let go. Although I value my friendships, I can also let go and turn away when needed. There was a time in my life when I turned away from a very close friend. I chose to shut her out of my life and call her a stranger. It was a painful day when I decided we will never be the kind of friends anymore but I was loyal as a friend to her and expected the same from her. She did not rise to the challenge. I give only the best of myself to my friends and demanding as it may sound, if they can't do the same, then I can let them go.
Mature but Childish
Mature. I project myself maturely. I don't sound young, I don't sound like a crazy teeny bopper (thank God!). I'm not so into cutesy-cutesy things. I don't really like blue. I'm more comfortable in blacks and earth colors. I look credible and believable when I speak. I'd like to think it's not only the outer me that shouts maturity. I'd also like to believe I am mature in thinking. Malawak ang pag-uunawa ko. I do not judge quickly. I am open-minded. I am forgiving of people's imperfections (including my own). I listen. I give solid gold advice (or so I was told).
Childish. Sometimes, I forget that I'm in my late 30’s. I can be childish. I whine and sulk when I don't get my way. I so understand kids when they throw tantrums - nakakarelate ako. Maybe that's why kids like me, they know I get them. Hehehe. I can be nauseatingly makulit. I can pester and annoy til I get what I want. At times, I don't realize I'm being irritating coz it's so second nature for me to be makulit. Diba, Enrico?!
Serious and Playful
Serious. I am serious with my life. I want to make it mean something. I do not have a specific goal I want to reach, because I believe that each day should have merit. I am serious about my work, I am out to prove my worth. I want to make sure whatever company I am with, they know that I am worth (or even worth more) the money they compensate me with. Excellence is my battle cry. I do not like being told I was good. I want to be told I was excellent. And so I work hard. Same is true with my family. I aim to be the best dad and son. I want my family to feel lucky that I am theirs. ;)
Playful. But sometimes, I don't take myself or my life too seriously. I know how to relax and enjoy. I know when to say, "it doesn't matter" and "so what?!" when things don't turn out the way I want them to. When I get stressed, I play. That's why I LOVE yahoo. I can surf for hours. Yahoo take me to another world (boring world according to Enrico and Khay :) I try not to stress myself out too much, lest I get hyperventilated (for those who don't know, I have hyperventilation -- medical condition when breath just falls off -- for me, when I'm stressed).
Random things about me:
1. I like cats and dogs. Some are cat-people, some are dog-people, I am both.
2. I have "shopping" moods. I can go for months without buying any new piece of clothing or pair of shoes, but when there are good finds, I BUY. :D
3. My favorite "sale" places are Girbaud, F & H, Bass and Lacoste. Coz when they go on sale, normally, what's left are MY sizes. And sale talaga, as in 40 - 70% off!
4. I am a Sonya's addict. Sometimes, I crave the food. I hate it that they're in Tagaytay and that we need to drive so far to enjoy the place and the salad (and the pasta and the breads and spreads, and Ian's favorite - candied kamote). Thanks to Enrico! For driving!!
5. I LOVE buffets! Any kind! Breakfast buffet, lunch buffet, merienda buffet!! I've tried a lot, cheap, expensive, mid-priced. My favorites are: Sonya's Garden in Tagaytay, Thai Kitchen in Galleria, Dad's in Megamall, Saisaki in Megamall, Josephine's in Tagaytay. Sa hotels, the best breakfast I've tried so far is Manila Peninsula followed by InterContinental Manila. Lunch naman 7 Corners (especially for dessert) in Crowne Plaza. Ay basta, ask me about buffet, I will answer with so much gusto! I just love it! Hehehe.
6. I am right-handed. Again, as I've mentioned before. Right-handed people are SUPPOSEDLY good painter. Not me. Hehehe.
7. I am shy. As in mahiyain. Yes, it's true. I don't really know how I’m into training. It puzzles me to this day. ;)
8. I am low-tech. Hahaha. Ask me about computers, I know nothing! Talk to me about techie stuff and I space out. I leave those things to the experts. I just know how to use the PC for the common stuff - Office, games, Multiply, friendster, other specifications :D
9. I don't like strawberries and ampalaya. I am not picky when it comes to food, I can eat anything EXCEPT those two. Anything strawberry DOES NOT appeal to me. I think it's because all the medicine I was made to take as a kid was strawberry flavored. Hehehe. Ampalaya naman coz it's bitter (obviously, kaya nga bitter gourd ang pangalan eh. hehehe). I like sweet and spicy stuff, not bitter.
Whew! That's a lot of stuff about me. Maybe more than what you'd like to know. Hehehe. Now that you know a bit more about me, I want to get to know you better too!
30 August, 2009
This is Kalebra
We left at a friends’ wedding half past 7PM, He used to drive his car even if he’s dizzy but not this time. Win and I had been on the road for about fifteen minutes, flabbergasted that I had to drive faster (as fast as I can) than usual. Win felt a strange tingling in his arm, flexing his fingers. Then, suddenly, he felt as if he couldn’t get a deep breath. He opened his jacket and even opened the car window to get some air. The air didn’t help. He felt a hot wave of dizziness and then a piercing pain in his head, like something popping inside. The sight in one eye went black. He blinked but couldn’t bring it back. I hit the emergency warning flashers and struggled to slow down the car and steer it over to the shoulder of the road, straight ahead to the hospital.
When I reached the hospital, we went straight to the emergency room. I knew every wing of the hospital from many times I had gone there. I walked up to the nursing station just outside the emergency area to get some more help. Suddenly I found myself behind the curtained area. I took a deep breath, trying hard to control the emotions welling up inside me. It was frightening for a while. (pakiramdam ko nakalutang ako sa hangin sa sobrang takot). I’ve waited for several hours when I was brought together with the attending physician to where Win is confined. They quickly explained Win’s condition. He had a stroke. The doctors said he’s lucky enough. He must have felt the stroke coming on and was able to tell me what’s going on with him.
The elevator doors slid open, I went straight to where I am heading. Win was lying in a hospital bed, attached to an array of frightening-looking tubes and machines. (nag flashback sa akin yung mga times na nasa ospital ang tatay ko) I walked toward him, feeling as if I were in a dream. His face looked strangely peaceful. I sighed and took his hand and leaned over. ”You have to fight now, this is the fight of your life, we’re all waiting for you” I whispered. A silent cry to heaven rose up within me. I felt as if the room were spinning in circles. I couldn’t think, couldn’t see straight. I wasn’t sure if I sat there for minutes or hours. When I picked my head up, my neck felt stiff. I came to my feet trying to orient myself. He’s father must be told how serious the situation has become.
This was going to be hard, seeing a dear friend suffered so much. I felt immensely sad. Do you know what the worst thing in the world is? It’s to not be wanted. That’s what I’ve felt like most of my life. I’ve dedicated all my time and life to friends I thought was real. With everything that’s gone wrong with my life, that’s exactly what it feels like. But Win changed that thought. He gave in to the friendship much of what I have expected. For him, it doesn’t matter how short or long the friendship is, as long as it’s true. I began to fantasize about how much better my life could have been if I met him early on in my life. He’s very creative in helping others find solution to problems. Win struck most people as distant, a loner type. But there was a side of him that was keenly aware of people in need and the ways he could help them. He was just quiet about it.
Finally, at nearly 2 A.M., the doctor reported that Win’s condition had stabilized. Though he was still in danger, he encouraged us to go home and get some rest. I am too exhausted to speak. I wish there was something I could do. I reached the path to the front door, feeling frozen to the bone, felt heavy and numb. I realized that each day is a precious, sacred gift, my friends. We walk this earth for a blink of an eye. Some friends will treat you nice and make you feel important according to your bank account, the car you’re driving etc. When you’re down and out you’re nothing, not realizing how we might be hurting others, not realizing that the golden tomorrow when we planned to say ‘I love you’ and ‘I am sorry’ may never come…
Thanks Win for this wonderful friendship you’ve shared. With you I feel important, I feel wanted and loved. I’ll pray for your fast recovery.
I also pray for good health for my sisters Ferie and Mench, for I can’t live without their friendships. I love them both with all my heart.
When I reached the hospital, we went straight to the emergency room. I knew every wing of the hospital from many times I had gone there. I walked up to the nursing station just outside the emergency area to get some more help. Suddenly I found myself behind the curtained area. I took a deep breath, trying hard to control the emotions welling up inside me. It was frightening for a while. (pakiramdam ko nakalutang ako sa hangin sa sobrang takot). I’ve waited for several hours when I was brought together with the attending physician to where Win is confined. They quickly explained Win’s condition. He had a stroke. The doctors said he’s lucky enough. He must have felt the stroke coming on and was able to tell me what’s going on with him.
The elevator doors slid open, I went straight to where I am heading. Win was lying in a hospital bed, attached to an array of frightening-looking tubes and machines. (nag flashback sa akin yung mga times na nasa ospital ang tatay ko) I walked toward him, feeling as if I were in a dream. His face looked strangely peaceful. I sighed and took his hand and leaned over. ”You have to fight now, this is the fight of your life, we’re all waiting for you” I whispered. A silent cry to heaven rose up within me. I felt as if the room were spinning in circles. I couldn’t think, couldn’t see straight. I wasn’t sure if I sat there for minutes or hours. When I picked my head up, my neck felt stiff. I came to my feet trying to orient myself. He’s father must be told how serious the situation has become.
This was going to be hard, seeing a dear friend suffered so much. I felt immensely sad. Do you know what the worst thing in the world is? It’s to not be wanted. That’s what I’ve felt like most of my life. I’ve dedicated all my time and life to friends I thought was real. With everything that’s gone wrong with my life, that’s exactly what it feels like. But Win changed that thought. He gave in to the friendship much of what I have expected. For him, it doesn’t matter how short or long the friendship is, as long as it’s true. I began to fantasize about how much better my life could have been if I met him early on in my life. He’s very creative in helping others find solution to problems. Win struck most people as distant, a loner type. But there was a side of him that was keenly aware of people in need and the ways he could help them. He was just quiet about it.
Finally, at nearly 2 A.M., the doctor reported that Win’s condition had stabilized. Though he was still in danger, he encouraged us to go home and get some rest. I am too exhausted to speak. I wish there was something I could do. I reached the path to the front door, feeling frozen to the bone, felt heavy and numb. I realized that each day is a precious, sacred gift, my friends. We walk this earth for a blink of an eye. Some friends will treat you nice and make you feel important according to your bank account, the car you’re driving etc. When you’re down and out you’re nothing, not realizing how we might be hurting others, not realizing that the golden tomorrow when we planned to say ‘I love you’ and ‘I am sorry’ may never come…
Thanks Win for this wonderful friendship you’ve shared. With you I feel important, I feel wanted and loved. I’ll pray for your fast recovery.
I also pray for good health for my sisters Ferie and Mench, for I can’t live without their friendships. I love them both with all my heart.
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